Funded by the Army Tank Automotive Research Development Engineering Center (TARDEC), Office of Naval Research and Air Force Research Laboratories, the trial will also give General Motors real-world data about how the technology functions in the Hawaiian climate.

The project also forms part of the Hawaii Hydrogen Initiative, which aims to boost the supporting infrastructure for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in the state.

Lt. Gen. Francis J. Wiercinski, commanding general of U.S. Army, Pacific, said: ‘The Army continues to investigate technologies and partnerships that give the United States a decisive advantage. These fuel cell vehicles will help move the U.S. Army in the Pacific toward a sustainable path that reduces energy security challenges and strengthens our energy independence.’

George Ka'iliwai, director of resources and assessment for U.S. Pacific Command, added: ‘Our pursuit of alternative energy is closely tied to our commitment to continually adapt to an ever-changing security environment.

‘Defense relationships and military approaches alone can't solve all of our energy challenges, but they underpin the initiatives we're taking within the Department of Defense to reduce the dependence on foreign sources of energy.’